Setting Up a Fixed Port for WMI

WMI runs as part of a shared service host with ports assigned through DCOM by default. Starting with Windows Vista, you can set up the WMI service to run as the only process in a separate host and specify a fixed port.

A fixed port makes WMI easier to use behind firewalls, but in Windows Vista you cannot use scripts that make asynchronous calls. For more information about asynchronous calls, see Calling a Method.

The following procedure is an automated setup to allow WMI to have a fixed port. The procedure uses the winmgmt command-line tool.

To set up a fixed port for WMI

At the command prompt, type winmgmt -standalonehost

Stop the WMI service by typing the command net stop "Windows Management Instrumentation", or use the short name of net stop winmgmt

Restart the WMI service again in a new service host by typing net start "Windows Management Instrumentation" or net start winmgmt

Establish a new port number for the WMI service by typing netsh firewall add portopening TCP 24158 WMIFixedPort